David J — founding bassist of post-punk pioneers Bauhaus and Love and Rockets — has released “Requiem For The Rose Garden”, the first single from his new album Postcards From The Afterlife, out November 27, 2026 on Label 51 Recordings.
A political song with a literal metaphor
“Requiem For The Rose Garden” is the most outspoken song on the record. “In the context of the song, the Rose Garden at the White House can be seen as a symbolic metaphor, although it is also quite literal,” J explains. “I actually wrote it during Trump’s first term in office when he had that beautiful garden hacked up.” The backing band on the track is the Detroit-based Duende, with whom J has worked extensively in the past.
Postcards From The Afterlife: 14 songs about connection, in life and in death
“This album is essentially about the poignant persistence of connection, be it in life or in death. Schisms and transitions. Love found and love lost. Requiems, reflection and revelation,” says David J. The musically diverse 14-song set moves from soulful pop (“Hurt You”, produced by Robert Margouleff) and hazy ’60s orchestral pop to European-style chanson and the alternative rock J is best known for.
Several songs feature string arrangements by Gregory Allison, and the album closes with “Walking With The Angels”, recorded in Prague with members of the Prague Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestras. Two songs pay tribute to J’s late friend Pat Fish of The Jazz Butcher — including “After-Hours In The Aftermath”, whose lyric gives the album its title. The cover is a painting by English artist Stefan Prince showing J and his partner Darenzia in a moonlit graveyard, guided by an owl.
Pre-order now: 2xLP, CD and digital
Postcards From The Afterlife will be available as a double vinyl LP, CD and digital download. Pre-order the digital album on Bandcamp and get “Requiem For The Rose Garden” instantly.
Fans of David J can also hear him on The Horror! Vol. 1, where his project Night Crickets contributes “Don’t Be Afraid”.
Tracklist highlights: The Lonesome Death of Cole Berlin · Hurt You · Heart Beneath My Hand · After-Hours In The Aftermath · Quelle Tristesse · Her Name Was Yesterday · Laid That Gold Band Down · Requiem For The Rose Garden · Morose · Walking With The Angels.
👉 More about the artist: David J on Label 51 Recordings · Spotify · Instagram
